To Breath is Divine

Since Heather has updated one large aspect of our lives, I suppose I will touch on another.

We both have one more short week before our first semester in teaching is in the books. To say the least, it has been quite the learning curve. We both are thankful to say that we have a much clearer idea of how we want next year to start and understand better how to run it. Even this next semester will run more comfortably. We'll still be stressed at times and tired, but I am beginning to understand that that will never change. Our personality's won't allow us not to be stressed; we are always striving to create a better education for our students.

This month we finally realized the financial significance of our private studio. Before, the money we earned giving private lessons just kind of blended in with the rest of our income. At the end of last month we were both sweating about how we were going to get through January. We were always fine, but we thought it was going to be close. We don't want to touch our wedding savings to pay for anything but what it is for. We were a little more conscious of the money coming in from private lessons and realized that we are COMPLETELY AND COMFORTABLY in the black for the month. That has been very relieving. So often, finances is a major contributor to our stress level. Not now!:)

As far as our private studio goes: great! My students are finally starting to come around and are making some noticeable progress. For a month or so (maybe because of the holiday season) my students were not making any strides and I could tell they were not practicing as much as they need to. I can definitely tell whether or not a student has put some time into practicing in the first five minutes of a lesson. Most of them certainly did in the last couple weeks. So, our focus turns to solos for solo & ensemble. I can't wait to see them perform! It is such a fantastic experience for them. Speaking of, I need to go find some pieces for them.

Peace out!

Sam